Page 10 - 00 Introduction

was addressed the gracious call: “Come unto

Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and

I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Though rewarded with evil for good, and

hatred for His love (Psalm 109:5), He had

steadfastly pursued His mission of mercy.

Never were those repelled that sought His

grace. A homeless wanderer, reproach and

penury His daily lot, He lived to minister to the

needs and lighten the woes of men, to plead

with them to accept the gift of life. The waves

of mercy, beaten back by those stubborn

hearts, returned in a stronger tide of pitying,

inexpressible love. But Israel had turned from

her best Friend and only Helper. The

pleadings of His love had been despised, His

counsels spurned, His warnings ridiculed.

The hour of hope and pardon was fast passing;

the cup of God's long-deferred wrath was